International Migratory Bird Day

Before I moved to Chicago last year, I said goodbye to the birds on the shores of Seattle’s Union Bay. Chicago is so large that I figured I’d be fortunate to see more than pigeons in-between skyscrapers. Sometimes it’s good to be wrong.

Penguin post - Nesting time

It’s April 15, and you know what that means… it’s time to put nesting rocks in the penguin habitat! Thanks to a nutritious diet, a realistic landscape and exhibit lights that are timed to replicate seasonal changes in day length, the rockhopper penguins are going into mating mode. Each year around April 15, we begin scattering smooth river rocks, small enough to fit in a cupped hand or a penguin’s mouth, throughout the rocky exhibit. Pretty soon the males are picking them up and waddling them over to prime nesting real estate. One male has actually staked out two nest sites. Another, who has been stealing rocks from his neighbors, has constructed a nest in the center of the habitat. We’ve also put out twigs to encourage the two mated pairs of Magellanic penguins. This species nests under shrubs or in shallow sand burrows. The trainers say, however, that these birds are still pretty new to the habitat and may not feel settled in enough to breed this year. Meanwhile, the rockhoppers have decided that the twigs add a nice touch—or maybe feel—to their nests. While the birds are totally serious about this—and even more territorial than usual—it’s a lot of fun to watch. Visit soon!

Blackbirds signal spring migration

In early March, my boss, Michelle Jost, arrived at work wearing a huge smile. She heard a red-winged blackbird trilling nearby; that call meant spring! But to other Shedd staffers, that call meant "duck!" The red-wings that reside in Shedd’s gardens are notoriously protective of their nests. If you’ve ever had a blackbird dive-bomb your head, you know why we keep a wary eye toward the sky at this time of year.

To birders like me, however, the blackbird call signifies an exciting time of year: The great spring bird migration has begun!  

Fantasea is a "must sea!"

The reviews are in and Fantasea is a "must sea!" Check out reviews in The Chicago Tribune, Southtown Star and WBBM radio.

Check out this video introducing the cast of Shedd's new aquatic show.



Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor

Oceanarium Reimagined: A Look Back

 
Here's a look back at the renovation of the reimagined Oceanarium. Thanks for supporting Shedd and visit us soon!



Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor

Fantasea at Shedd Aquarium trailer

Check out the official trailer for Fantasea, which debuts Oct. 16 at Shedd!



Posted by Jay Geneske, web editor
 

Oceanarium Animal Homecoming

 
After nearly nine months “on vacation,” our beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins and Alaska sea otters are back home. We’ve also welcomed new animals to the Oceanarium family, including two California sea lions, temperate-weather penguins, a new Pacific white-sided dolphin and a variety of Pacific Northwest fishes and invertebrates.

Animal care is our top priority. Whether they were moved by road, by air, or by a combination of the two, all of the animals traveled safely and quickly, thanks to careful planning and the training we did with them before they were moved.

Here are highlights of their journey back to Shedd.

First Look at Polar Play Zone

Here's a look behind the scenes of the new Polar Play Zone, Shedds first permanent children's exhibit opening on May 22.

Learn more about the reimagined Oceanarium.

Posted by Bryan Schuetze, exhibit design

Otters and Oil, 20 Years Later

Twenty years ago this week the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, spilling 11 million gallons of North Slope crude on 1,100 miles of pristine coastline. The immediate toll on wildlife was horrific.

New Pics of Oceanarium Construction

 Whale harbor